Jason Frierson '01

Nevada State Assembly Speaker, Assembly District 8, Member of Dean’s Council at the William S. Boyd School of Law

How did you first get into the legal profession?

Honestly, my life was at a crossroad and I was ready for a new direction. I viewed my propensity for argument as more of a hobby (or annoyance to my parents) than a career. When UNR President Joe Crowley suggested I join the Boyd Law charter class, it seemed a natural career transition.

Tell us about your decision to attend Boyd School of Law.

Despite habitually belaboring important decisions, once I decide, I do not look back. I devised an elaborate rating process for law school options. My initial thought was to return to California for law school. But Boyd Law was the exception. No matter how I scored the options or developed new criteria, Boyd came out on top. Every factor from proximity to family in southern California; likelihood of accreditation; cost of living; quality of life; et cetera was evaluated. I visited Boyd several times and tortured Associate Deans Christine Smith and Frank Durand with question after question. Eventually, I accepted my destiny to remain a Nevadan.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you be? 

Easy choice--Marvin, the Martian.  

What was the catalyst for your legislative career?

Not all attorneys practice law, as you know. I have always gravitated towards representation. I’ve been a class president or leader since the 7th grade; then onto high school, college, and law school. But campaigning for Boyd alum William Horne '01, and watching his contributions, inspired me to take it further.

You're involved in a lot. How do you keep everything balanced and organized? 

I don’t keep it balanced nor organized! I wish I had more of both. My wife and children remind me of my imperfections and keep me centered as I grow as a husband and father. As I have matured, they are my focus; and so long as my work helps me take care of them, I remain fulfilled.  

What advice would you give to a new colleague.

Stay true to yourself. Life is too short to try to be someone else. Work hard for money if that is what drives you, but work hard for making a difference because that is what completes you. If you find a way to do both, consider yourself one of the few who figured this whole thing out.

What advice you would give a recent Boyd Law graduate?

Be proud of your school and carry that into your practice. Remember that everything you do reflects on Boyd alumni--past and future. You must not only think like a lawyer as your advance in your practice, but still act like a human.

What do you enjoy in your off hours?

Off hours?

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I would love to say enjoying retirement on a beautiful island, but more likely still in politics in a representative capacity.